Breakthrough by Kris Bryant: Book Review

Breakthrough by Kris Bryant is a sweet, romantic story that illustrates true happiness can show up in the unlikeliest of places.

Kennedy Wells really loves her job as a writer for Mainstream celebrity magazine. However, a small indiscretion with a famous athlete leads to a lawsuit, and Kennedy is reduced to writing articles about current events. Desperate to get back into her boss’s good graces, she accepts an assignment to write a story for another publication. All she has to do is take a trip from Los Angeles to Alaska to get the scoop and she’ll be back writing about the rich and famous in no time.

Unfortunately, Kennedy doesn’t have a lot of experience in the wilderness, and it shows as soon as she steps off the plane. From run-ins with moose to poachers, Kennedy can’t help but wonder if she’ll make it out of Alaska alive. Luckily Brynn Coleman, director of Alaska’s Wildlife Rescue and Sanctuary, comes to Kennedy’s rescue time and again. As Brynn and Kennedy get to know each other more, Kennedy can’t help but fall for the ruggedly butch ranger. Kennedy wouldn’t mind having a fling to forget about all she has endured on her trip. But Bryn is a tough nut to crack and won’t give in so easily. Will Kennedy and Brynn fight off their growing attraction? Or will they be able to discover real happiness among the Alaskan wilderness?

The Characters

When a character is taken out of her element and dropped into new surroundings, it’s always the perfect way to show the growth that must transpire for her to become better than what she was. Bryant does this solely with Kennedy and it creates the funniest and most heart-felt situations that I have ever read.

Kenney Wells is a self-proclaimed city girl. Upon arriving in Alaska, it’s apparent from the moment she steps off the plane that she is uncomfortable and unaware of how to behave, even dress, in such rugged terrain. But what Kennedy also has is an unshakeable confidence. Even though she’s certain that Alaska may eventually kill her, she doesn’t turn tale and run back to Los Angeles. Instead she focuses on the beauty Alaska has to offer. It’s this focus that propels Kennedy forward and follow through on her assignment. Yes, it also gets her in more trouble than she would like. But it also eventually leads to salvation in the form of a resilient and attractive park ranger.

Brynn Coleman is what I consider the strong, silent type. She has an exterior that can feel imposing to some, but she’s surprisingly gentle and quiet. When she first meets Kennedy, her silence is palpable. She doesn’t reveal too much about herself, and she is very cautious about who she trusts. While it’s obvious from the moment they meet that Bryn is attracted to Kennedy, she understands that Kennedy’s time in Alaska is temporary and doesn’t want to move forward with a relationship that is temporary. But as Bryant shows us, Mother Nature has her own plans when it comes to these two women. And she will do what is necessary to bring them together, even if Kennedy may end up in more distress to make it happen.

The Writing Style

Bryant writes predominantly in first person and she does it in the best way possible. She gives us the point of view of Kennedy, a wise decision because Kennedy is the outsider in this new and rustic land. From the moment she lands, Kennedy is in awe of this majestic place. Being a writer, she conveys the exact details needed to show the allure of Alaska, it’s citizens, and the animals. Kennedy gives such detailed accounts of her adventures that I never once questioned what was happening elsewhere. It was all right there in front of me to enjoy. If Bryant continues to excel and execute this style at this level, then I look forward to more stories like this from her.

The Pros

Bryant goes the extra mile and gives unique and entertaining personalities to all the featured animals. It may not seem like a lot, but with how predominant a role the sanctuary plays in this story, it allows us to relate to each animal and fall in love with them. So when trouble does befall them, we feel very protective of them and very sympathetic to their plight.

The Cons

I swear Bryant was also writing for the Alaskan Tourist Bureau because every bit of this story really made me want to fly to Alaska. I wouldn’t normally consider this a con, but for someone who has to pinch her pennies, it can be detrimental to my bank account if I’m not careful. So just a little fair warning: when you read this story be prepared to start searching for things to do on an Alaskan vacation.

The Conclusion

This entire story is a work of art, showcasing the beauty and wonder that is nature and the happiness one can find among the trees without even looking for it. Please pick this book up today. Once you have finished the last page, you’ll be in love with these characters and Alaska as much as I am.

Excerpt from Breakthrough by Kris Bryant

A Jeep approached from down the road…I waved my hands as if a moose sitting on my car wasn’t going to attract enough attention for somebody to at least top and hopefully help…I place all of my faith in a sandy brown Jeep Grand Cherokee. I almost wept when I read Alaskan Wildlife Rescue on the side. The person parked in the middle of the road, in front of my car. There was enough of a gap, though, between it and the moose. A woman leaned out and waved her arms at the moose on my car.

“Let’s go, Martha. You and Tuffy go home.” She turned on her red and blue lights to distract the moose, but perturbed, destructive Martha didn’t budge. When the woman shrilled the siren in three short bursts, Martha begrudgingly stood up, groaned at either me or Tuffy, and moseyed down the street as if the last ten minutes didn’t just happen.

I didn’t move until the moose were no longer visible. I closed my eyes and willed my heart to slow down. A knock on my window startled me and I opened my eyes to see a very tall and very attractive woman looking at me. Concern was etched on her face and her big, gray eyes seemed trustworthy. I felt safe.

Bits and Bobs

Kris Bryant Online

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Note: I received a free review copy of Breakthrough by Kris Bryant.No money was exchanged for this review. When you use our links to buy we get a small commission which supports the running of this site

Kennedy Wells is desperate to get back her dream job writing for Mainstream, Waters Publishing's celebrity magazine. She's worked too hard over the years to have it snatched away because of one tiny indiscretion that ended with a giant lawsuit. After five months of writing mind-numbing articles about current events, her boss agrees to let her get back to reporting on the rich and famous after one last story. A born and bred city girl, Kennedy is sent to cover fishing in Alaska, which has her feeling just like a fish out of water. When Brynn Coleman, director of Alaska's Wildlife Rescue and Sanctuary, comes to her rescue time after time, Kennedy can't help but lower her guard and open herself up to Brynn's standoffish charm. Falling for the sexy ranger is one thing, but is the possibility of love worth giving up a career she's always dreamed of?

Anna Gram works in entertainment in Los Angeles, CA. When she’s not working she loves watching and playing softball, as well as reading lesbian romances. Her favorite authors are Rachel Spangler, MJ Duncan, Kenna White, and Andi Marquette…just to name a few.